Recovery Engineer; F9 Booster & Fairings

Recovery Engineer (F9 Booster & Fairings)

Long Beach, CA

Space

X was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not Today Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Space

X operates the world’s first automated unmanned vessel certified to land orbital class vehicles. This role has the opportunity to work with an elite team to develop and execute the processing operations of landed Falcon 9 boosters and fairings. Recovering and re‑flying rockets is historic and has changed the industry for the future… and you could be a part of that team.

• Own overall mission campaigns to process Falcon 9 boosters and fairings at the Port of Long Beach.
• Develop procedures, test plans, and concepts of operations for F9 flight hardware processing and quick deliveries back to Vandenberg.
• Drive more efficient operations to improve Falcon 9 recovery cost and hardware health for improved refurbishment timelines.
• Resolve blockers to operations in the field and make real‑time decisions to keep the team moving.
• Design, build, and test new ground support equipment in support of improving recovery operations.
• Ensure systems are in place to guarantee hardware readiness – including, but not limited to, preventative maintenance, critical spares, and hardware testing.
• Remain synchronized with all recovery operations on both coasts to ensure commonality in both hardware and operations where applicable.
• Interface between Launch Teams, Vehicle Refurbishment, Flight Hardware Logistics, Ground Support Equipment, Responsible Engineers, and Recovery to improve overall strategies with Falcon 9 reuse.

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience developing and/or processing aerospace or aviation systems.

• 2+ years of hands‑on experience building, maintaining, modifying, troubleshooting and operating ground support equipment.
• Experience operating fluid, mechanical, or electrical systems and background working with complex, multi‑disciplinary system assemblies.
• Experience planning, executing, leading, and improving operations involving more than 10 personnel.
• Experience with critical operations where real‑time decision‑making affects success criteria.
• Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily communication and interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers.
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high‑pressure environment.
• Self‑motivated and directed with keen attention to detail.
• Ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work.
• Detail oriented, organized, and demonstrate a high sense of urgency.

• Willing to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, wind, open ocean.
• Ability to work in a high‑stress environment.
• Willing to support offshore operations, including working recovery missions at sea.
• Ability to climb ladders and work in tight/confined spaces.
• Willing to work with hazardous materials.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery.
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Pay range:

Recovery Engineer/Level I: $95,000 - $115,000 per year

Recovery Engineer/Level II: $110,000 - $130,000 per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other…